After the initial selection process, Xu Yuehuai successfully stayed on and was assigned to the courtyard.

Xu Yuehuai stood in the courtyard under the moonlight, the bright moonlight bathing her in a soft glow. Her eyes were filled with expectation and longing, as if she were gazing at her family in the distance, her gaze passing through the high walls of the palace.

Her posture was upright, like a resilient bamboo, maintaining her independence and tenacity amidst the splendor and complexity of the palace.

He Huan approached her, a polite smile on her face, but a hint of inquiry in her eyes. She asked softly, "I heard that His Majesty saved you some time ago, is that true?"

Xu Yuehua nodded and replied, "Yes, it's all thanks to Your Majesty." Her voice was calm and sincere, without the slightest affectation.

Du Juan also came closer, her eyes filled with curiosity and gossip. She asked, "How is His Majesty?"

Xu Yuehuai was slightly taken aback, then replied, "His Majesty is a very good person, virtuous and talented, wise and powerful!" Her answer was simple and to the point, without excessive embellishment or exaggeration.

Zhao Xi chimed in, "I've never even seen His Majesty, and I don't know when I'll get to meet him." Her words sparked a flurry of discussion, as everyone was filled with curiosity and longing for the mysterious emperor.

Xu Yuehuai took the opportunity to leave the crowd and return to her bedroom.

The bedroom was quiet, with only the moonlight shining through the window, casting a soft glow on the floor.

Xu Yuehuai sat quietly by the bed, her heart filled with longing and anticipation. She thought of Qi Guze and the children, of the happy times they had spent together, and a warm feeling welled up inside her. She only hoped that everything would go smoothly for her, and that she could leave the palace soon to reunite with her family.

A resolute light shone in her eyes. She knew life in the palace wouldn't be easy, but she was willing to fight for her family. She believed that as long as she remained resilient and independent, she would be able to get through this difficult time.

As night deepened, the moonlight bathed Xu Yuehuai like water. She sat quietly on the edge of the bed, as if isolated from the entire world.

Her thoughts drifted far, far away, to Qi Guze and the children. She imagined what they were doing at that moment, whether they were also thinking of her…

Just then, a soft footstep broke the tranquility of the night. Xu Yuehuai came to her senses and saw a palace maid enter the room, carrying a gorgeous dress in her hands.

"Lady Shen, these are the clothes His Majesty bestowed upon you," the palace maid said respectfully.

Xu Yuehuai was slightly taken aback, then took the clothes. She stroked the soft fabric and felt the exquisite embroidery on it, her heart filled with complex emotions.

Did Bai Yu send the gift only to himself, or to all the candidates who successfully passed the preliminary selection?

The dress was tailored to fit her perfectly, as if it were made for her, and it perfectly showcased her figure.

Xu Yuehuai's eyes sparkled with appreciation and joy. She smiled gently and then carefully put on the dress.

"Please thank His Majesty for me!"

The palace maid responded and left, but Xu Yuehuai immediately put the clothes away.

Knowing her own status and position, she dared not wear such splendid clothes lightly, lest she arouse the jealousy of the other concubines. She clearly remembered that her purpose in entering the palace was to find an opportunity to get close to the emperor, not to flaunt her beauty and charm.

The next day, the soft sunlight bathed the palace's golden splendor, adding a touch of warmth to this solemn and mysterious building.

Inside the palace, a faint floral fragrance permeated the air, intertwining with the woody aroma of agarwood, creating a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.

The head maid, a woman of great experience and authority in the palace, dressed in a deep blue palace gown and carrying an exquisite whisk, slowly entered the palace. Her eyes were sharp and deep, as if she could see into people's hearts. Behind her followed several palace maids, carrying various teaching aids, their steps light and orderly.

The young women were already waiting there, dressed in matching pink palace dresses and simple hair ornaments, each one standing gracefully like a newly blossoming flower.

Xu Yuehuai and He Huan stood in the crowd, their gazes firm and confident, with faint smiles on their faces.

The old woman walked up to the group, nodded slightly, and signaled to begin teaching palace etiquette. She first explained in detail the basic manners and rules of the court, and then personally demonstrated how to bow and how to move with proper decorum. Her movements were elegant and fluid, as if every gesture spoke of the profound heritage of court culture.

Xu Yuehuai and He Huan observed the old woman's every movement intently, their fingers gently pinching the hem of their skirts as they mimicked the gesture of bowing. Du Juan and Zhao Xi also performed well, closely following behind Xu Yuehuai and He Huan, diligently imitating their movements.

However, not everyone was so dedicated. Some of the young women outwardly appeared to be learning, but their eyes betrayed a hint of impatience and perfunctoriness. Privately, they whispered among themselves, gossiping about the praise Xu Yuehuai and He Huan received, their tone filled with jealousy and resentment.

"Isn't Shen Yiyi a wild girl raised in the countryside? How come she's learning faster than us?"

"He Huan must have bribed her mother-in-law; I don't believe her at all!"

"I clearly did well in my studies, it must be because my father's official position is not as high as theirs that they treat me so harshly!"

...

Xu Yuehuai was well aware of the jealousy and resentment of those around her, but she didn't show it. She smiled faintly, as if everything was within her expectations. She knew that it wouldn't be easy to gain a foothold in this competitive and ostentatious environment. But she also believed that as long as she maintained a peaceful mindset and persevered, she would surely win her own glory.

As time went on, the matron's teachings became more in-depth. She began to instruct the young women on how to adjust their demeanor and behavior according to different occasions and people. She emphasized the hierarchical system and the concept of order and hierarchy in the palace, allowing the young women to deeply understand the uniqueness and rigor of court culture.

During this process, Xu Yuehuai, He Huan, and others demonstrated exceptional comprehension and practical skills. They not only quickly mastered the content taught by the nanny, but also applied their knowledge of etiquette flexibly to real-life situations. Their outstanding performance attracted the nanny's attention and praise.

"Shen Xiunü, you are very good!"

"He Xiunü, you're not bad either!"

"Keep up the good work, everyone!"

The old woman looked at Xu Yuehuai, He Huan, and the others, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. She knew these young women would become a breath of fresh air in the palace, bringing new vitality and hope to the royal family. She couldn't help but sigh that half of her mission was already complete; all that remained was to wait for these young flowers to bloom and shine in the palace.